outdoor malls are more miserable than merry. >> tea and latte. >> keeping you warm? >> stores are shelter from wind and rain. cold weather gear never looked more inviting. >> did you ever wish this mall had a roof? >> sometimes. >> reporter: the rest of the year it is pleasant outside. our retailers worry now -- >> it will catch up. >> reporter: the store manager says gift hunters who waited for better weather have thrown up their hands and umbrellas and came in. >> the bad weather did keep them home but they are here and they are shopping, the parking lots are full, and the restaurants are full. >> reporter: elsewhere in the north bay today, high winds brought down a power line that gave utility crews trouble. wind advisories have been if effect for tall vehicles on bay area bridges, of course, trucks with a trusted duty keep to their rounds. >> the weather is killing us but it has to get done and customers have to get their boxes and people have to have their christmas presents. >> reporter: with every break in the rain, they hope for a strong retail business. a pl